Sowden Penrose SoftBrew Tea Maker, 1/2-Liter

Bought this to replace my last Snowden teapot, which cracked when it accidentally got left on a stove burner.Very nice style, and it pours very well, better than the old model. Not as heavy and doesn't seem to hold heat quite as well as the old model. It's also a bit smaller than the old model. The metal insert isn't as thick as the old model, and fits slightly less snug.Overall, very pleased with my purchase. I use it daily.

If there is a slight amount of water around the lip where the lid sits Make sure that's addressed .Once that's taken care of with proper technique There is no problem . I think it should have been a little heavier to build up and retain heat better when you preheat , and there were some brown flakes in the porcelain. However the screen that is in the pot is incredible The screen is where most of the value lies in this teapot . Don't forget to preheated the teapot I watched a video of what appeared to be some knowledgeable tea drinkers However I failed to see the Preheating step, which is a very important step.

This is the best teapot I've ever owned, bar none. It holds enough for two generous mugs of tea. The filter basket fits firmly inside, and allows you to brew with teabags, loose tea and even chai spices. It doesn't drip when you pour because of the elegantly curved spout, and you don't have to hold onto the lid when you pour (as long as the basket is in place - this I think was another reviewer's issue, the lid is designed to fit tightly inside the filter basket). I plan to get my mom one for her birthday.

I have the Sowden Coffee SoftBrew as well and I love them. This is perfect for my loose leaf thai tea and it's small enough for me to make just 1 cup for myself. It also allows for different concentrations, so if you like it stronger you can make it stronger than say a tea bag or a small tea infuser would allow for. All in all a very high quality product and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a nice tea maker.

So pretty you don't even want to use it, and apparently, that's what the manufacturer intended since it spurts and dribbles on pouring, over and undershooting your target and making a mess on the table! A certain amount of dripping is common for all ceramic teapots, but this one is in a league of its own.